AAMUSTED Introduces B.Ed. Akan to Promote Indigenous Language Education
The Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED) has introduced a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Akan programme as part of efforts to strengthen indigenous language studies and enhance skills-based education in Ghana.
The Pro Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Isaac Boateng, announced this in an interview on Adomankomasem on Opemsuo
“We have introduced B.Ed. Akan to train teachers and students to become proficient in our local language. Language plays a crucial role in national development,” he stated.
Prof. Boateng explained that students often grasp concepts better when taught in their own language rather than exclusively in English.
“Since independence, English has been the primary medium of instruction. However, the full potential of skills development and entrepreneurship has not been fully realized under this system alone,” he noted.
He added that the introduction of the B.Ed. Akan programme aligns with the university’s mandate to focus on vocational, technical and entrepreneurial training following its autonomy about five years ago.
According to him, AAMUSTED, now the youngest public university in the Ashanti Region, was tasked to equip students with practical skills to establish businesses and create employment opportunities for the youth.
Prof. Boateng also observed that universities in the United States offer Twi as a course of study, with students earning advanced degrees in the language.
“Interestingly, in countries such as the United States, students earn degrees and even PhDs in Twi, yet many universities in Ghana do not prioritize it to the same extent. We must place greater value on our indigenous languages,” he stressed.
Touching briefly on institutional developments, he revealed that discussions are ongoing in Parliament regarding a possible change of the university’s name, assuring that management will inform the public once any official decision is made.
